Trump candidacy continues to stir angst in Japan

why isn't Japan worrying about Sanders - the first openly Socialist candidate that I remember? Japan won't like socialism as it is all about the young. Sanders is airing his ads in our area and they are pushing free college for the young and making the rich pay for it in higher taxes. Would elderly Japanese like that? No one does, except those under 22.

Why should Japan worry about a socialist candidate? Japan is a pretty socialist society that could teach the US a lot about, e.g.. universal health care. As one who benefitted from a free university education in the UK (with a grant to cover living expenses, even) and who has put two kids though university here in Japan (and has the empty bank account to show for it), my perspective is that, if Japan wants to have a well-educated work force and wants more babies, free college for the young paid for out of taxes sounds like a very, very good idea that would ultimate benefit everyone.

Despite the article title it's not just in Japan. It's amongst all of our foreign allies and adversaries alike, not to mention a lot of us right here in the United States. Including Republicans.

WHY would China attack Japan?! There is NO RESOURCES on this island! This exactly why nobody has attacked North Korea. Beside a few billion dollars, Japan does FREELOAD off the US security

If China has no reason to attack Japan, what benefit does Japan get from hosting US bases? Isn't the US freeloading off Japan by getting bases close to "the enemy".

Trump candidacy continues to stir angst in Japan

Welcome to the club, there are plenty all over the world that have had their "angst" stirred up about Trump.

For now, just put in some ear-plugs.

Not all of us have PhD's & Masters Degrees.

That's education, not intelligence. There are many intelligent people who are uneducated, and many educated people who aren't very intelligent.

But an AA, or a BA, common sense, character and balls can go a long way in the world.

'Balls' have rarely done good for the world. Almost always the opposite.

For the sake of positive Japan-U.S. relations, I hope to see Japan and the U.S. work together to remove the American military presence from Japan. It has been 70-plus years since the war, time for Japan to act as a sovereign nation.

This arrangement of Japan relying on the U.S. for protection may have served Japan's needs in the past, particularly in conjunction with Japan relying on previously unfettered access to the U.S. market to export products in fueling the Japanese economic miracle. Going forward however, it is an unhealthy arrangement for both Japan and the U.S., and in the long run is bad for Japan-U.S. relations. Also, because Japan is supposed to be a sovereign nation, it needs to meet its own defense needs.

Trump's bid for the GOP nomination has drastically changed my mind regarding the U.S. military presence in Japan. As much as Trump is an embarrassment to the U.S. (particularly those of us U.S. citizens living abroad), his success so far in generating voter popularity and gaining the GOP nomination shows how fragile the U.S.-Japan alliance can be, how rapidly even a strong democracy can implode, and how dangerous it is for Japan to overly rely on the U.S.

If he is elected, there will be a raft of countries that seek to cancel or renegotiate their SOFA agreement - and if Trump doesn't like it, he can relocate the US bases. Maybe he can get Mexico to pay for them.

"I hope to see Japan and the U.S. work together to remove the American military presence from Japan."

Huh? If the US troops were to leave, the first the freak out would be the Japanese: both the government and the majority and its people.

Why do you think all this "angst" is all about?

Sanders says sweet things but provides no way to pay for them. He looks abroad to the UK and socialist Europe for ideas but the U.S. fiscal debt is huge and will be on par with Japans if they provide free education to all.

You make the rich pay a wee bit more tax and you can have your free education. Same with free medical care. Or is that too left wing? Too socialist to care about the poorer or less well off in society? If the wealthy in Japan were taxed an extra 1% you could change the disparity between those who can afford to send their kids to uni, and those who can't.

That's not socialism... it's being fair... but America isn't about being fair, is it? It's about everyone looking out for themselves... about standing on your own two feet and if you fall... well, you're a failure and waste of resources. That's Trump's ideal, isn't it? America only works for the strong... the weak can get stuffed!

"Why should Japan worry about a socialist candidate? Japan is a pretty socialist society that could teach the US a lot about, e.g.. universal health care. As one who benefitted from a free university education in the UK (with a grant to cover living expenses, even) and who has put two kids though university here in Japan (and has the empty bank account to show for it), my perspective is that, if Japan wants to have a well-educated work force and wants more babies, free college for the young paid for out of taxes sounds like a very, very good idea that would ultimate benefit everyone."

Yep. I'm one of three kids who went to university ( 3 of us at the same time at one point ) and we benefitted from free education with grants.

Social mobility? That's Stalinist talk. The rightists despise the idea. Know your place.

It's said that the purpose of NATO is to keep the Americans in, the Russians out, and the Germans down (or at least content). An article in JT today noted that Japan has enough plutonium to make 6,000 nuclear bombs. A sure way to turn that material into weapons would be for the US to abandon Japan - they'd be nuclear-armed before America completed its pullout. (Google Japanese nuclear research - they've long had the technology and only lack the motive.)

Trump as usual is speaking from an orifice most restrict to defecation. And to think he is beloved by "conservatives."

Good. Thats the best news I've heard in a long time.

Trump's election will signal the absolute decline and fall of the US. It is time for Japan to recognize reality and move into the Chinese sphere.

If Trump becomes president, then it's likely that China will be a better ally to Japan than the US will. It's definitely something they should consider moving forward. This is likely true of a lot of countries as well, not just Japan. Trump divides.

The US hasn't won a war since they conquered us in WWII. I'm not sure the US military presence here has any real defence value. The SDF has a real personnel shortage. Let's work for peace instead of war.

That's education, not intelligence. There are many intelligent people who are uneducated, and many educated people who aren't very intelligent.

True, but there is a strong correlation between education and intelligence (and vice versa). Having said that, from my personal experience, many (though not all) of Trump supporters are ones who barely graduated high school. I'm sure there are educated Trump supporters but I've never met one.

As a choice between Republican candidates Trump or Cruz, Jimmy Carter stated:

"I think I would choose Trump, which may surprise some of you, but the reason is Trump has proven already that he's completely malleable."

malleable: a. Able to adjust to changing circumstances, adaptable b. Capable of being changed or adjusted to meet particular or varied needs

Former pres. Carter might be on to something here as far as who would be more flexible between Republicans Trump & Cruz. Carter would clearly prefer Clinton or Sanders as president, but between Trump or Cruz, Carter would choose Trump.

As much as Trump is an embarrassment to the U.S. (particularly those of us U.S. citizens living abroad)

To be fair, Trump is only an embarrassment to those with the intelligence to realize they should be embarrassed. For the rest of them, ignorance is bliss!

Mr. Trump is showing the already revisionist history that will become American reality. He and his follower forget, or ignore that the Constitution of Japan was made and adopted by American and British military after WWII.

“We are fully aware campaign rhetoric is dramatically different from real policies pursued by incumbents.”

Of course you are aware. You lie about stuff during your political campaigns too, and break promises when you're in office.

About this "angst" about Trump, Japan has to realize that no matter how much of a loyal lap dog they are to the US, they can STILL be subjected to being thrown under the bus. That's what a lap dog is. You are even afraid to "make a comment" about Trump due to the possibility of him becoming your new master.

“I think it’s too early. Number one, he has not made it known even to the American voters whom he counts on as far as foreign policy goals,” the source said, adding they expected Trump would change if elected.

Trump would certainly have to change, if elected. The Republicans in Congress have made it difficult for President Obama during his tenure. "President" Trump would have even more difficulties because the Republicans AND the Democrats would work against him. He could resort to issuing executive orders to promote his agenda, however, the courts could overrule any executive orders he may issue.

OssanAmerica: "Despite the article title it's not just in Japan."

True, but it's about Japan feeling angst about how Trump would affect relations with Japan, which makes sense.

Trump is wiser than most seem to think.

Well, his wall idea seems stupid. It just means more business for ladders, ropes, and shovels.....10s and 10s of billions of US tax dollars later- no thanks.

Trade protectionism will be on a rise. The best of globalization is behind us. Japanese & Asian exporters will face greater headwinds after US Presidential Election. More economic troubles are coming.

"They took our jobs!"

"Dir teerk ter diiir!!!!!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHNk0-7hW3U

I bet the Japanese media and variety shows were laughing at his remarks at the Mexicans, Chinese and Muslims.....

Exactly, especially when he mentions the Chinese. But Japan is in "angst" only when Japan was mentioned by Trump. Before that, well who cares, right? It started to brew with Trumps criticism of the Japanese auto industry (even when some are actually made in the US). Now it's starting to boil when Trump mentions this military free-loading thing. It gets hotter and hotter ever time Trumps makes such rhetoric against the "US' greatest friend and ally in Asia".

"Show me the money." Put up some charts. How much is spent in the top five categories by Japan and the USA. What are the categories? Readers are welcomed to submit their categories, and maybe JT can find the answers.

trump is a godsend for abe

Trump just reflects the serious deterioration of the United States. Under him the US will break apart, and he will be the last US president.

I agree with Carter as well, and I dont think Trump is as stupid as the media says.

@Ossan

Unfortunately for you, your days of dreaming from afar of a hoorah Japan is all things great the U.S. loves you seems to be in jeopardy. Ever since GWB and his disastorous regime, the repubs, interest in their party has been wanning. They are unable to deliver on jobs, and surplus disappear due to unchecked defense spending and corporation greed. Im interested in watching your position if Trump wins, and where you will suddenly find yourself )

"re: embolden hardliners keen to bolster Japan’s military" since when has this been any news? Trump is only going off reports where the scenario has Japan leaning more and more towards China and the US pulls out of Asia. Will this happen, sure it will but not anytime soon or at least the next 20-30 but after that who knows...it is well on its way now. What the media reports is only a hint of the real issues going on in the back rooms with the crooked politicians and businesses selling out Japan to China.

Wait, so Japan just join this "angst" club recently while the world have been showing "angst" like quite a while ago. Man Japan, you are late to the party. But then again, I guess it's given you only care if your country is criticized.

The idea of a Trump presidency is also stirring a lot of angst here in America, on all sides of the political spectrum. The current question seems to be, do the Republicans want the presidency so badly that they are willing to concede power to a nazi, in an effort to appeal to their base voters?

I dont believe Trump will put his words into actions if he will be president,simply because most of it for public and media use.2nd Congress wont let him do whatever he wants,mainly his party. Abe Shinzo proved to be far eye sight when he called for revising constitution and changing article 9.Not only because of what Trump says,but because even Obama administration is not interested anymore-as clearly shown in so many regions around world-to play the same role as before,.So in one way or another its time for Japan to take responsibility of their security themselves,its not anymore an option,but obligatory. Abe Shinzo is an exceptional prime minister and politician,i strongly support him and LDP.What Trump says about Japan is a proof of his successful policy.

"The US hasn't won a war since they conquered us in WWII."

South Korea today wouldn't exist if it weren't for the US military's involvement in the Korean War.

Hi Cleo, I have to add that your entry to University was testament to your intellect and abilities. Without sounding a tad rude to guess age parity, between 1970/75 just 621,000 students in the UK in higher education were deemed eligible for placement. I wouldn't like to have been put to the test.

"Historically the US has had no foreign policy other than to react to events other countries precipitate."

In other words, other countries f**** up and then the US has to step in to fix all the screw-ups? Like Postwar Japan. Yeah, that would be right.

If any of you who worry about Trump, select World section of JT and choose Trump and Cruz related article He hasn't mentioned he will bring US laborers back from Japan for a quite while. He is too busy on something else that you will never be able to watch in Japanese TV,

This irrational fear of Trump being played up by the global media is ridiculous. All the man does is make a comment to shed light on one particular issue, and suddenly it is a global crisis. People have got to stop acting like children. I am a Trump supporter because he tells the truth. Maybe the term "free rider" is not polite, but it cuts to the point. The TPP is being slammed down the throats of the American people, and they don't know one thing that is in it! Does that seem fair. Supposedly, Japan is to gain some trade advantage through its passage. Ok, like Japan already doesn't own most of the American car market? We are supposed to give them more? And what about travel and visa restrictions on Americans to Japan? I have Japanese children whom I would like to visit or even live near, but oh no, Japan is too important and special to let foreigners, especially Americans come and get residency, god forbid citizenship! But hey, jump on the gravy train, and it's a one-way, non-stop express to the US for Japanese people. Japan is dying, drying up, and going broke, but open up the society to young American men so they can breed the women? Never!

Democrats are Republicans and Republicans are Democrats. There is no difference.

It does seem like Japan has benefited from the US for a long time. They are both good for each other, but I'm not sure what the military budget is for just the Japanese defense. The people of Japan do not live near the Mexican border or the cartels so they can never understand what we go through or how government employees see the damage to our people in so many aspects: drug addiction, incarceration costs, translation, court costs, welfare and many other issues. Trump is wiser than most seem to think.

Hillary will win, in any case, but Trump will weaken/has weakened the Republican Party forever. The best bet for Republicans is to choose someone besides Trump or Cruz. That way, they will still lose, but they can retain some dignity.

Hillary is spent and a tired tune. The Dem base and minorities might help get win over Bernie, but Trump has proven to be a tough opponent and the usual PC attack has no affect on him. They will try and avalanche an attack of things he said and use it against him, but its too late. I think Trump might just win, unless many Repubs switch over and vote Democratic just to keep him out. Its kind of the private sector meets government, and they are bringing a much more brutal game. Cruz brings the cold calculated bureacratic game playing but he gets crushed by Trump every time. Im guessing Hillary will end up the same; she been in government too long. Bernie actually would stand a better chance with Trump than Hillary.

For now: “We are fully aware campaign rhetoric is dramatically different from real policies pursued by incumbents.”

So, watch what happens...

@Laguana,

Yes, that is worrisome. If they put them in space and develop some game changer technology, then they own you.

But if they ever used them, unless the U.S. had the incapacity to strike back, it would be disastrous.

Trump should tread carefully on the defense issue. He is spot on about trade, but the defense agreements in place around the world with the SOFA, accords etc are delicate.

Trump wont say anything that will annoyed the Russians or Mr.Putin,right ?

People might find Trump disturbing, I do, but this really about America looking after Americans first and foremost; something which has happened since 1945. If theres anything leftover after all Americans have had there fill and have a secure economic/financial position in their society, then they dont mind sharing it with the rest of us. The days of America`s elite walking the world stage and waving the big stick, while a large percentage of Americans exist in relative poverty, are over with Trump and his supporters

It`s a shame that it has taken a Donald Trump, rather than a more moderate politician, to come to this position.

And yes Japan, like much of the rest of the world does freeload of the USA; both economically and militarily.

Japan is worst than most, with its charade pacifist stance and mercantilist economic policies, and its better than others, such as China, but the days where we all eat at the US table without chipping in for the cost are over, if The Donald gets elected.

“If somebody attacks Japan, we have to immediately go and start World War III, okay? If we get attacked, Japan doesn’t have to help us,” Trump said at a campaign speech late last year. “Somehow, that doesn’t sound so fair.”

I think that with what allot of what Trump says, people are reading too much into it. Some of its Trumps fault, because he cant deliver so well. This statement is a good example. Japan has been racheting up the China issue ever since the senkaku islands after the tsunami, and now the U.S. has got itself into this pivot to asia, isolate china mindset, and china ran with it and started to bully its neighbors. I think Trump wants to reverse all that, and not start marching towards a Japan/China inspired WW3. I dont think Trump sees China as a threat,but a huge market to battle with and engage. Its two different paradigms; the Obama fear of a rising China that will overtake the region, and a Trump bash you if you dont play right, but engage with you if you do.

China and Russia will not attack Japan. There is absolutely nothing to gain. Only lose. It would be political, social and economical miss step. All this hype that the big bad Chinese or Russians are coming is nonsense. The US army is only here to protect US hedgemony or the Petro Dollar. Japan ought to be focusing on trade with regional partners anyways, as xenophobic as the elderly may be. Who cares what Trump does GMO US products. Japan ought to be looking to Russia for produce since it already aims to be the world #1 provider of non GMO`s. The best natural resource in Japan is THE PEOPLE since there is so many smart people here. US guns, entertainment brainwash and trinkets are not needed.

From 1997, and 1993, however the significance of understanding the deterrence and prevention value underpinning the concept of forward naval base of operations....

Forward From the Sea....

http://www.navy.mil/navydata/policy/fromsea/ffseanoc.html

Department of the Navy Policy Paper"...From the Sea" Update..Naval forward presence: Essential for a changing world ......

Control of the seas, a requirement for unencumbered sea commerce to and from maritime nations, is now enjoyed by the United States and our allies. America is no longer threatened by a global navy whose leaders vow to bury us and our way of life. This changes strategic landscape provides us significant opportunities.....

http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/navy/fromsea/ftsunfp.txt

Don't be fooled or taken in by Donald Trump election rhetoric, the people of Japan through countless government administrations have provided support and friendship in FOB security for crucial US commercial and national security interests.....

Still worried about Trump?

Exactly what the politicians want you to think. It is what the media also wants you to think.

That is because he is a threat to them and NOT to you.

ALL -ISMs and -ACYs and even -ITYs have a LIMIT. After all they are all conceived by man. From Totalitarianism to Communism and even Socialism. (I won"t talk about the religious -ISMs here.) They have been tried and all they did was to bring some relief to some but a lot of power and wealth to a very few. Not at all successful if every aspect of their -ISMs were tried to be put into practice, because it required some person or a group of people to take CONTROL. And, there is the rub. Power and wealth do hand in hand and they invite greed. That in turn breeds corruption.

Politics is no more than negotiating for POWER to CONTROL.

In some societies people willingly submit or give power to those who they know are beneficial. In some societies they have no option. That ultimately ends up as gangs or unions or mafias or governments. The difference is in what we call LEGALITY.

Trump is trying to become nominated to get the ultimate power an individual can hold the world today. So of course the entire world is concerned. That is except for those who can only see what is in front of their noses. The fact is even with the media and modern technology, most are not really "involved" in what happens around them, except when there is something exciting or catastrophic that affect them directly .

Trump is a master communicator that uses his rhetoric to get the attention he needs to attract the attention and hopefully get the votes to 1) become nominated then 2) get elected.

Whether you like it or not, he is not only getting the attention, but "moving" and "motivating" people to "participate" and "get involved" in the election process, so important in any country, including Japan.

But, remember, everything he says about Japan is campaign rhetoric "directed" at the people within the USA not so much Japan. Japan is so much an important part of the USA that he knows he must work well together. The only people in Japan that need to be concerned about his rhetoric are those companies in Japan that is actually taking unfair advantage of the USA.

There is some justification for Japan's unease with Trump, but he only reflects on a more general feeling among Americans that policing the world has become a burden which has created large debts and a drain on resources. The worls is in a terribkl state in actual fact with so many countries and ideologues full of hatreds, greed and treachery. America cannot continue to be the bulwark against madness and greed.

Well let's see, Okinawa wants the US military gone. Last month 2000 Japanese protested in Tokyo to get the US military out, so it seems The Donald is giving Japan what many Japanese citizens want. Also, I and many Americans do not want a single drop of US blood spent on any more wars. We've had enough thank you, so it seems a win - win all the way around. Unless you are Shinzo Abe who needs the free ride to keep the status quo because you know few Japanese moms would actually watch as little Taro or Keiko march off to fight wars for the glory of the Emperor.

Historically the US has had no foreign policy other than to react to events other countries precipitate.

I know the right wing will jump at the opportunity to remilitiarize, but thats where the fun begins because soon arrogance will manifest and an arms race probably ensue, with every excuse suddenly legitamized ("its all the U.S. fault, you forsaken us") with goofy talk shows going bizerk on the topic. Then again, Japan has had decades to nurse its dormant hate of the outside world and its WW2 defeat. Instead of normalizing, its sort of lived in a paradoxical thumb sucking cocoon of self pity and arrogant superiority; a comfort zone created and protected by the U.S for its interest. The neofacist nuts want to change all that. Of course they want to tease the public (like Ishihara did) and say they want the U.S. out, but I really dont think they want it. Once the U.S. leaves or reduces its presence, a whole host of things could happen. We saw a very typical Japanese reaction to an incident during the Fukushima reactor meltdown- panic. If big brother isnt there to calm things, I surely wouldnt want to be around to witness any inthernational incident or fiasco. For now, I think Trump is blowing hot air, and Japanese know it. He is unpredictable, but his cabinet would probably steer him straight on foriegn policy. What I do like about him is his leadership. I think many around the world, including Japan, thought Obama was weak and exploited that. Trump wont bring threats, he will bring a boot to the ass, but in doing so he will upset allot of things. Hard to say what direction the world will go but one things for sure, it wont be like it is today

Japan is supposed to be a sovereign nation, it needs to meet its own defense needs.

But SDF recruitment is very low. Who will defend Japan?

Trump's bid for the GOP nomination has drastically changed my mind regarding the U.S. military presence in Japan.

Why? Trump doesn't like the Japan-US Security Treaty, saying its too one-sided and mostly benefits Japan. Wish those SEALD's brats would wake up and smell the coffee.

As much as Trump is an embarrassment to the U.S. (particularly those of us U.S. citizens living abroad)

Not me. I openly supprt Trump whenever I'm asked. Its not embarrassing at all. Just like when obama was elected, I wasn't embarrassed.

In a sane world, the other current candidates should cause more Angst in Japan than Trump. But the Japanese populace takes their talking points largely from the PC mass media.

@1glenn, The only angst its stirring up is from extreme left wing liberals and soft Republicans with all the lobbyists in there pockets.

the protesters against Trump are behaving violently since the media has manipulated everything Trump says. The same video which the media edits shows innocent protesters, but if you watch the whole video on you tube, you see violence and intimidation. Most of these protesters are young, in college and think they know all the answers. I fear that Japanese seeing such media think the same about Trump. If one does their homework and actually do research outside of facebook, you tube, fox news, etc theyll see the truth that Trump is just like any other presidential candidate. The reason republican opponents and democratic candidates are attacking Trump is that they fear Trump will win and later expose all the corruption going on in our government. What i fear may be too late and there will be some type of civil war. obamarama has divided our culture and country so much that theres no coming together anymore.

I bet the Japanese media and variety shows were laughing at his remarks at the Mexicans, Chinese and Muslims.....

And then he focused his attention on Japan!

If Trump cancels the security agreement and closes the bases then Tokyo will have to get along with China and Russia. I do not see a big surrender but the Senkaku Islands or most of them will be forfeit. Plus a hands off when it comes to Taiwan. Then the peace treaty with Russia needs to be signed and if Japan is lucky will get two islands to save face. Also the end of sanctions to Russia. Add in a good trade agreement as well, same for China.

Wonders if Trump will make it impossible for Japanese and Korean companies to function in America? I tried to listen to him again and understand one word in three, it is a sort of gibberish. Think is is meant for children. What is wrong with Americans? Trump saying he has big hands and a big censored. I just can not believe my ears!

It's great watching all the liberals and lefties getting their panties in a twist over Trump. Suck it up!

I'm not sure the US military presence here has any real defence value. The SDF has a real personnel shortage. Let's work for peace instead of war.

NK shot some rodongs into the sea recently. + they're always threatening to blow the tits off the globe. Lets work for pro-active defence. When NK is gone, then we can keep the peace.

Hillary Clinton will soft on NK.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I agree with all your crticisms of my Beloved U:S:A: You have given every good reason for me to support Mr. Trump, but he doesn't go far enough! I want a return to ISOLATION.

Close all the bases, everywhere, you are all of you on your OWN! You think this is rhetoric? Watch the next 10 years and this will prove to be prophecy. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE HAD ENOUGH!!!

Trump as a point but he wont be the president, he's only the rah rah guy.... Hillary will take it but I'm not sure who much better off the world would be....

Actually Trump isnt a godsend for Abe. What will happen is the U.S. military withdrawal in Japan, then some mischief by some right wingers in Japan that affects the U.S. position, then Trump will just cut off trade with Japan, plunging their economy into a further mess. He would withdraw the nonsensical Hillary position of "pivot to Asia" and China containment, and probably try to improve ties with China. Short term, it would appear to bolster Japans position but long term they would loose. He, like others in business, doesnt like Japans protectionist and one way take but cannot give approach to the world. I think it would be bad news for Japan, but entirely their fault

Yes, why isn't Japan worrying about Sanders - the first openly Socialist candidate that I remember? Japan won't like socialism as it is all about the young. Sanders is airing his ads in our area and they are pushing free college for the young and making the rich pay for it in higher taxes. Would elderly Japanese like that? No one does, except those under 22. We paid for our college and the younger people can delay having children, borrow money and work. That's how we paid for college. I started working at about age 13 in the farm crops. Sanders is pitting the young against the old. Hillary is also full of promises she can't necessarily fill. Just like Obama did - "You can keep your doctor." Now, Obamacare co-ops are going bankrupt and won't be able to pay taxpayers back.

Sanders says sweet things but provides no way to pay for them. He looks abroad to the UK and socialist Europe for ideas but the U.S. fiscal debt is huge and will be on par with Japans if they provide free education to all. They already provide free education with the new GI bill that covers living cost tuition and books, and veteran benefits that is a huge defense expense. Where you and Sanders miss the point is not that there are a lack of educational opportunities, rather there is a lack of employment opportunities. So a Vet gets a free education at the governements expense. What good is that if there are no jobs because they are all gone and a socialist government that restricts and discourages entrepreneurship by taxing the sh-t out of everbody or ridiculous zones and restrictions? And trade policies that encourage jobs to leave the U.S.? The only place left to work is for the government or some big corporation. A free education doesnt guarantee anything.

I agree with Jefferey, there is no reason for China or Russia to attack Japan. I think the whole misguided Hillary plan to pivot to Asia has only made things worse by stirring nationalism in both countries.

Trump's election will signal the absolute decline and fall of the US. It is time for Japan to recognize reality and move into the Chinese sphere. This is what Hatoyama wanted, and he was right. Obama made sure he had to quit the PM.

If China has no reason to attack Japan, what benefit does Japan get from hosting US bases? Isn't the US freeloading off Japan by getting bases close to "the enemy".

It's called AMERICAN HEGEMONY. Are you completely asleep at wheel? And yeah, you're kind of on to it‥…… Since most people are scared of their own shadow, it's pretty easy to whip up a boogey man like China or Russia coming to get you Japan for ????????? They don't like you???? GROW UP! Trump is the last chance the US has at keeping a sovereign country. TPP or TTIP puts corporations at levels that can legally challenge countries! Open boarders with Mexico or Europe means YOU DON'T HAVE A COUNTRY! Japan with be just fine looking after itself! Business will be just as good if not better with Japan being more independent!

That's education, not intelligence. There are many intelligent people who are uneducated, and many educated people who aren't very intelligent.

Clever.

If Trump becomes president, then it's likely that China will be a better ally to Japan than the US will. It's definitely something they should consider moving forward. This is likely true of a lot of countries as well, not just Japan. Trump divides.

Well for one thing, he won't be sucking up to mullahs in Iran. And he won't be taking any crap from Mexican crook politicians. The other countries are just worried cause the regulators are going to clean house.

To be fair, Trump is only an embarrassment to those with the intelligence to realize they should be embarrassed. For the rest of them, ignorance is bliss!

Sorry Strangerland. Not all of us have PhD's & Masters Degrees. But an AA, or a BA, common sense, character and balls can go a long way in the world.

Trump is spot on! WHY would China attack Japan?! There is NO RESOURCES on this island! This exactly why nobody has attacked North Korea. Beside a few billion dollars, Japan does FREELOAD off the US security (like Canada, which is more strategically important, by being USA's #1 trading partner). Time to grow up Japan and put on the big boy shoes! I guess like liberal Americans, Japan wants handouts forever and will cry like a fat man-baby when they don't get it?!